The Co Op store in North Somercotes was officially opened by some pupils from North Somercotes C of E Primary school along with the store manager Ryan Saywell and some of the staff (Image: Co-operative Group Limited)

Lucy Green, a local resident, said she was disturbed by the incident.

Speaking to GrimsbyLive, she added: "It was 12.45pm and I heard the Teleporter beeping noise and then it was repeatedly smashing into something .

"I live three doors on same side away so couldn’t see. I was in bathroom at the time. Then alarms went off. I heard shouting.

"Then the Teleporter was ramming into something again. Then it went quiet and a loud car sped off. It was quite scary as I wasn’t sure what had happened. I went outside and about 25 minutes later the police were there."

A spokesperson for the Co-op said: “There was an incident at our North Somercotes store in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, November 8).

“The store remains closed to allow police to investigate, and for repairs to be undertaken - we appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

“It is too early to confirm when the store will be able to re-open to serve the community.”